Marvelous Millets: The Superfood need of the World

Millets are a group of small-seeded grass of the Poaceae family. They are popularly known as Nutri-cereals, Smart foods, Super foods or Food of the 21st century because of their ability to grow and adapt in adverse soil and climatic conditions. However, these crops were long lost and neglected in order to develop popular cereals crops like rice and wheat. Rice and wheat were consumed by people on a regular basis which led to an increase in various types of health issues. But, recently due to the challenges of the 21st century like climate change, over-exploitation of agricultural lands, shortage of water and increased food cost the world is facing nutritional insecurity and there is an urgent need to switch towards dryland farming as the best crops suited under such condition are millets. The reasons why the demand for millet has surpassed the major cereals are because of their nutritive value, gluten free nature and many health benefits. In order to increase the production of nutrient-rich millets and create awareness among people the year 2023 is declared the “International Year of Millets”. Because of the unique characteristics of millets, their advantageous applications and customer concern for their health, food scientists and researchers have created a variety of value-added products which have high market value as people believe that millet-based products are of great benefit to their health